Haven - workspace aiding mental stability

Project Name: HAVEN

Location: DIFC, Dubai, UAE.

Function/Activity: Workspace/Retreat

Plot: 11,750sqm

Project Theme:

As the architectural design and development is growing nowadays, the function is no longer the main statement of the building. Also, architects tend to lack the value of the psychological feelings felt in a space while designing a building. Different spaces give different psychological feelings and experiences.

The design of office buildings is not always suitable for the work environment as there are different qualities provided for open offices and single offices. These qualities are natural lighting, views, space, and privacy. Lacking these qualities in a space will result in negative emotional feelings like stress, depression and anxiety.

Therefore, this project aims to solve problems for people in their work environment by focusing on architectural psychology and introducing a new typology of workspaces. This new workspace is specifically designed for people with mental issues as it helps them escape their usual office building and have a better isolated environment to work in. It provides single offices that are placed outdoor with nature and provides functions like meditation rooms, therapy rooms, social spaces, sleeping pods and fitness rooms.

Site Location:

The site is located in DIFC, Dubai International Financial Centre, one of Dubai’s busiest business areas. It is located on Sheikh Zayed Road between Trade Centre and Downtown Dubai. The site is accessed from Sheikh Zayed Road through a service road and from DIFC through AlOmlaat St, a secondary street. Pedestrians can easily access the site as it is within walking distance from major landmarks and from the metro station. The site is overlooking two major views in Dubai, the Sheikh Zayed Road and Burj Khalifa.